afoot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afoot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is in progress or happening, often in a somewhat mysterious or secretive context. Example: "There are changes afoot in the organization that we need to prepare for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plans are afoot to set up a Treasury in Cardiff and control of the police and legal system could follow.

The Guardian

Helene 3.14pm: Over at the Liberal Democrat camp, there are more immediate concerns afoot.

The Guardian

Mr Cameron and Lynton Crosby gave a pep talk to MPs last night, and were well received: no wonder - the game's afoot.

The Guardian

The game's afoot: / Follow your spirit, and upon this charge / Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'" If I were Prince William, I would be worried.

The Guardian

Last December, Gill repeated the trick when he opened the Manor up the road, complete with a brilliantly bonkers dessert bar run by Fera's ex-pastry chef, and there are plans afoot for a bakery and deli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With budgets under threat, there is trouble afoot, Gove or no Gove.

The Guardian

Referring to changes afoot, after the scandals in fixed income, currency and commodity markets, he said: "Such changes are vital but they cannot anticipate every contingency or discipline every miscreant.

The Guardian - Business

An increase in "chatter" picked up on surveillance networks and an accumulation of intelligence suggested that a major plot was afoot – although neither American not British officials suspected that it would take place on US soil.

The Guardian

Surely that match will put some doubts and concerns into lineup considerations for Saturday, though, with the balancing game afoot once again.

The Guardian - Sport

Rest easy, my importunate friends, there is much news: over in California, preparations are afoot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After five weeks I'm still not sure whether Denton is simply trying to clear her name or whether there's some wider, more insidious game afoot.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "afoot" to add a touch of formality or old-fashioned charm to your writing, especially when describing plans, schemes, or events that are actively progressing.

Common error

Avoid using "afoot" in very casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious in everyday settings; opt for simpler alternatives like "in progress" or "happening".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "afoot" is as an adverb or adjective indicating that something is in progress or about to happen. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples showing its use to describe ongoing plans, schemes, or changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "afoot" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote that something is in progress or being actively planned. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a slightly formal register. While it adds a touch of sophistication to writing, it should be avoided in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "in progress" or "underway" for simpler, more direct communication. Remember to use it correctly and avoid overusing it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in progress

Replaces "afoot" with a more direct and common expression.

underway

Similar to "in progress", but slightly more formal.

in motion

Focuses on the active or moving aspect of something happening.

in the works

Suggests that something is being planned or prepared.

being developed

Emphasizes the development or creation process.

on the horizon

Indicates that something is likely to happen soon.

in preparation

Highlights the preparatory stage of an event or activity.

taking place

A general term indicating that an event is occurring.

coming to fruition

Suggests that something is nearing completion or success.

being executed

Highlights the active implementation or carrying out of a plan.

FAQs

How to use "afoot" in a sentence?

Use "afoot" to indicate that something is in progress, underway, or being planned. For example, "There are changes "in progress" in the organization that we need to prepare for."

What can I say instead of "afoot"?

You can use alternatives like ""in progress"", "underway", or "in motion" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "plans are afoot" or "plans are in foot"?

"Plans are afoot" is the correct idiom. "Plans are in foot" is grammatically incorrect and nonsensical.

What's the difference between "afoot" and "underway"?

"Afoot" often carries a sense of something being secretly or actively developed, while "underway" simply means something has started and is in progress. "A plot is afoot" implies a scheme is being hatched, whereas "construction is underway" simply states that building has begun.